By Theresa Russell
Posted On: Feb 22, 2016
Blanketed with a fresh and thick layer of fluffy snow, the blanched landscaped beckoned me to grab my snowshoes and go out in search of fresh powder. Luckily, I live near a metropark as most of Ohioans likely do. Having waited for several months for conditions like these, I scrambled to Blacklick Woods Metro Park, knowing that there were plenty of open areas to literally make my mark.
Snowshoeing comes with many great benefits:
-It requires little equipment.
-The equipment - snowshoes and poles for tricky terrain - are inexpensive.
-It can basically be done anywhere and Ohio has outstanding state parks, metroparks and trails that lend themselves perfectly to the sport. Even some golf courses, like the one at Sawmill Creek Resort, which also rents snowshoes, are open to snowshoers.
-It's great exercise and basically if you can walk, even though this is like walking in a giant pair of shoes; you can do it.
-It's ideal for any age, both kids and adults can do this and it's a perfect family outing.
Photo Courtesy Lake Erie Shores & Islands
Dressing properly means remembering not to overdress. For me, I wear tights or thermal underwear covered by rain/snow pants and that keeps me at the right temperature for snowshoeing, so that I don't overheat once on my way. Keeping my extremities warm is a priority.Toasty tootsies, fingers and ears make the experience all the more enjoyable.
When I arrived at Blacklick Woods, I scoped out a nice open space. Few people were at the park, another nice benefit of snowshoeing.
Strapping my shoes on, I felt like a little kid on the first day of snow. I nearly ran to the open area, admiring the stunning landscape around me.
My footprints were the first to make their mark. The snow laden trees that muffled any sound created a special atmosphere, calming and beautiful.
Enjoy the last snowy days of winter.
